United Kingdom — Events
Changing of the Guard
This is one of the oldest and most familiar of all royal ceremonies. Every other day a throng of tourists gather outside Buckingham Palace to watch the exchange of duty between the Old Guard and the New Guard. The Foot Guards wear their traditional uniforms, complete with bearskins, but carry modern weapons as their role is practical as well as ceremonial. The handover is accompanied by a band from one of the five Foot Guard regiments who play anything from traditional military marches to pop tunes.
West End Shows
Famed for its musicals, the West End in the center of London boasts some of the best theater in the world, from musicals to comedy and drama. There are ongoing shows that have been running for years, such as Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Lion King and Blood Brothers and new shows are added to the lineup regularly.
Hogmanay
Hogmanay is Edinburgh’s famous New Year’s celebration, when the entire city becomes one huge party. In fact, it is so popular that entry to the city is open only to those with advance tickets. Over the years the organization of Hogmanay has become increasingly professional, and a slick festival-style event, attracting major international musicians and bands who perform in the castle or the city’s botanical gardens. Visitors are well advised to book tickets and accommodation beforehand, due to the sheer size of this event.
Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year is celebrated every year in London’s Chinatown, which is located in Soho. As the Chinese calendar is based on lunar and solar movements, this festival takes place on a different date every year. The festival consists of numerous parades, which often snake their way through to Covent Garden. The celebrations give rise to a variety of food stalls in the area, serving Chinese cuisine, and visitors and tourists are always welcome to watch and participate.
Glasgow International Comedy Festival
The Glasgow International Comedy Festival is about more than just stand-up, featuring an extensive program spanning all forms of comedy with something to suit all tastes and ages. There are live stand-up shows by some of the biggest names in comedy, as well as character acts, political satirists, classic family variety acts, children’s entertainment, workshops, and comedy film classics and theater.
Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race
An annual tradition since 1829, the rowing race between two of Britain’s oldest university sides creates a festival atmosphere along the banks of the Thames River between Putney and Mortlake. Thousands of people gather at various vantage points along the riverbank, many of them conveniently close to pubs, to watch the famous four-and-a-quarter mile race that marks the beginning of the English social season.
Belfast Film Festival
The annual Belfast Film Festival is a must for cinephiles and offers a range of exciting films, a short film competition for up and coming filmmakers and plenty of sneak previews. A festival pass is available that offers a massive discount and access to all the films on offer. For more information on the Film Festival call (028) 9032 5913 or email info@belfastfilmfestival.org
International Street Market
The bustling and exciting International Street Market offers visitors and locals alike a chance to browse and purchase goods from Europe and the UK, with over 70 stalls offering anything from food and crafts to gardening supplies. The market takes place over a weekend in two separate venues.
Edinburgh International Science Festival
Every Easter the city becomes a gigantic laboratory of discovery, exploration and entertainment, as non-stop shows, demonstrations, hands-on activities, workshops and exhibitions are presented to educate and astonish all ages. The Edinburgh International Science Festival is designed to encourage discovery about the sciences and amazing technological events, such as outer space, our planet, the inner body and modern gadgets.
London Marathon
The Flora London Marathon is a 26.2 mile (42km) race from Greenwich Park to the Mall, via Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. Around 30,000 professional and amateur runners compete every year, many dressed in fancy dress to raise money for charity. The route is lined with spectators and has a very festive atmosphere.
